Elden Ring Nightreign Beginner's Guide | Tips & Tricks

Elden Ring Nightreign can be extremely challenging unless you know what you’re doing in the game. So, understanding what the game wants you to do and learning the mechanics quickly is what you must do. Since I've been playing the game for a while now and have tested all its features, this guide should help you get a good start when you begin the game. 

First of all, you will find a training area in Round Table Hold that allows you to learn character moves, practice with different weapons and skills, and refresh your memory. If you haven't played for a while, you might recognize some mechanics from Elden Ring, but you will also encounter new elements. 

Since you have limited time to examine items during runs, this training area is a great place to master character skills before venturing into the landscape. You can teleport anywhere within Round Table Hold by opening the menu and selecting a location—whether it's the sparring grounds, expeditions, or relic workstations—so you don't have to memorize every building's location as you begin.

Nightreign Matchmaking

When you first open the matchmaking screen, you should decide whether to enable cross-region matchmaking, which affects your ping due to the P2P system. Unless you're playing with friends in another region, you may want to turn this off to avoid high latency. In your options, you can also set a matchmaking password to play only with others using the same password—handy for coordinating with your community. 

A group password lets you see asynchronous features like bloodstains and deaths from anyone using the same password. You can adjust the number of required players so that you can play with one friend and have the system fill the remaining slots with random players.

Know Your Map

As you load into a match, study the map carefully. Toggle the detailed view to see various spawn points, elemental icons on structures, and randomized rune and fort placements. These icons indicate weapon rewards—for example, fire icons signal fire weapons, while bleed icons point to bleed weapons. 

Use color-coded pins to mark suggested routes or objectives; when two players place pins in the same spot, it turns white, showing group consensus. Pin frequently, even if others have already done so, to communicate your intentions clearly.

Stay with Your Team

You should remain in a group whenever possible, especially if you're new to Nightreign. While you can switch to single-player in the multiplayer menu, the game balance favors multiplayer, and you'll find it easier to succeed together than alone.

Relics 101

Every run—whether victorious or not—rewards you with relics you can equip in Round Table Hold. Different colored slots correspond to different relic types, which can boost stats, add weapon effects like poison or fire, or enhance character abilities. Each Night Lord grants a unique relic, and after defeating the first boss, you can purchase additional relic slots using in-game currency to customize your setup further.

Level Up ASAP

Prioritize leveling up early and often. Advancing from level one to two can nearly double your health, depending on the character. Seek out enemies to gain enough experience to use the nearest Sight of Grace, then level up before tackling anything significant. After clearing areas or defeating bosses, always return to a Sight of Grace to level up and replenish your flasks.

Visit Churches As Much as Possible

Churches increase your flask count, giving you more opportunities to heal during boss battles. If two objectives are equidistant, always choose the church first, but you can clear a nearby objective before heading to the church if that makes sense for your route.

Avoid Easy Enemies Whenever Possible

Except at the start of a run—when you need quick levels—or when you can eliminate groups instantly using powerful ultimates, skip easy enemies. Focusing on bosses and landmarks yields better experience and rewards.

Prioritize the Outer Rim of the Map

Tackle objectives on the map's outer rim before moving inward. As the ring collapses, you'll lose access to those outer areas, so handle outlying forts and ruins early. Keep track of the ring's collapse timer and your position; if you're far out, be ready to sprint inward when necessary.

Bleed, Poison, and Scarlet Rot Are King

These status effects excel in Nightreign. Seek weapons with these effects by following the map's elemental icons. During boss fights, poison and rot deal damage over time, allowing you to stay safe, while bleed frequently applies in multiplayer, making these effects invaluable.

Party Composition Matters

Build a balanced team to cover various roles. An all-melee group can struggle against AoE-heavy bosses, so include at least one ranged character for revives and support. Learn your teammates' abilities—like healing FP when attacking marked foes—to maximize synergy.

Talismans and Where to Find Them

Scarab enemies drop talismans throughout the landscape, particularly in forest areas. The central map also contains a chest offering three talisman choices—visit before the end of your second day to secure one. Talismans can significantly boost your build, so prioritize these reliable sources over occasional merchant stock.

Learn the Resistance of Bosses

Research each Night Lord's resistances before entering a match. The matchmaking screen shows boss weaknesses, and using the wiki between runs helps you optimize weapon choices and strategy.

Check Merchants When You See Them

Merchants can sell talismans, upgrade materials (including rare purple upgrade stones), and occasionally superior weapons or shields. While you shouldn't hunt them down, stop by if they're near your route.

Some Consumables Are Better Than Others

Favor warming stones, boiled crabs, or boiled bronze for damage protection; flesh for a physical boost; and starlight shards for FP-intensive classes. Status-clear items offer limited value, and fire pots provide inconsistent benefits. Choose consumables that directly enhance your build or open specific areas.

These tips will help you get started in Elden Ring Nightreign, whether you're brand new or returning after the network test. Keep experimenting with builds, consult the wiki between runs, and refine your strategies to conquer the Night Lords.

Also, check our Elden Ring Nightreign Review and other guides below:

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• Elden Ring Nightreign Guide | How To Play Raider
• Elden Ring Nightreign Guide | How To Unlock Mage Towers
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